Having competed on both the GWA and IWSA circuits, and traveling around the world for competition events, it’s safe to say that wingfoiling has had a huge impact on the life of Orane Ceris. Here’s her outlook on the sport today, and how she sees it playing out…
I discovered wingfoiling in 2021 while living in New Caledonia. I was originally a gymnast and gymnastics coach, but the moment I tried wingfoil, I was hooked. The feeling of freedom, the possibility to add foot straps and jump, it was just amazing. Foiling opened up a whole new world. You can explore the ocean, cruise, surf, jump, or even pump with no wind, it’s limitless. It offers something for everyone, whether you’re chasing adrenaline or peace.
The gear is evolving fast, and that’s something I’ve experienced firsthand as an athlete. It’s becoming lighter, more accessible, and adapted to different body types, wind conditions, and riding styles. I love how it welcomes people from other sports like surfing, windsurfing, or kitesurfing, or even people like me, who had never really practiced any water sport before. That diversity is what I believe will help the sport truly flourish far into the future.
Today, wingfoiling is becoming a complete discipline with its own identity, values, and lifestyle, and I think it’s going to continue to distinguish itself. But it can also be a complementary sport. I know many Olympic athletes who use it to diversify their training, to relax, or simply to feel something different. Personally, I love switching between disciplines. That balance is part of what makes foiling so unique.
💎 Premium Content Ahead! 💎 *You will receive our weekly Friday Pump newsletter, plus the latest features, gear tests and giveaway announcements. Competition has played a huge part in my journey. Thanks to my sponsors Starboard and FreeWing, I got the opportunity to join the first World Cup in 2021, and I became vice world champion that same year. Since then, everything has moved so fast. The level is exploding. We’re seeing top speeds above 40 knots in racing. In freestyle, there are double rotations, crazy combos, and creativity everywhere. A lot more women are joining the competitive scene, which is super exciting. When I think back to 2021, I never would have imagined this kind of progression. Honestly, I don’t know where it’s going to stop and that’s exactly what makes it so thrilling. In 2024, after a knee injury and surgery, I had to slow down. I used that time to become a certified coach and work with the French Sailing Federation. Coaching the youth national team gave me a new perspective on foiling: it’s not only about performance, but also about transmission, support, and building a strong future for the sport. Now, in 2025, I’m entering a very special new chapter of my life. I’m expecting my first child, and I was lucky to keep foiling until my eighth month of pregnancy. Flying over the water with my daughter growing inside me was one of the most magical feelings I’ve ever experienced. For me, the future of foiling is wide open. I see more innovation, more creativity, and more people falling in love with this sport for all kinds of reasons. Whether through competition, adventure, or simply cruising at sunset, it has the power to change lives. It certainly changed mine.
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